SUCCESS OF BLACKWATER 10k CONTINUES TO GROW WITH OVER 1000 PEOPLE ENJOYING THE DAYS
EVENTS UNFOLD AT GORTAKEEGAN PARK

An overwhelming turnout best describes the 4th year of the Blackwater 10K with approximately
1000 in attendance. On Sunday, May 15th people of all abilities – the serious runner,
leisure fun runner and walker - took up the challenge to enjoy the beautiful surroundings
of Rossmore Forest Park by completing a 10K walk or run in aid of Monaghan Hospice
and Marie Curie Cancer Care.The Blackwater 10K has certainly become an annual fixture
in Monaghan’s Calendar as the event continues to grow in entries each year. Starting
off from Monaghan United Football grounds, athletes of all ages lead the way to Rossmore
Forest Park. Walkers followed with the sound of chatter and laughter filling the
air in a more relaxed pace with children in pushchairs and all ages taking in the
beautiful surrounding and good weather that added to the success of the day.This
large-scale community event kindly received funding from the EU’s programme for Peace
and Reconciliation (PEACE III), managed by the Special EU Programmes Body through
Monaghan PEACE III and South West Cluster PEACE III Partnership.The great success
has been made possible with the strong commitment of the organising committee lead
by the Chairman Paul Mc Geown and hard work kindly received by Monaghan Phoenix and
Glaslough Harriers Club members, joint applicants for the licence to facilitate race
approval by the Athletics Association Ireland. Monaghan Sports Partnership, Blackwater
Regional Partnership and all the volunteers that helped before and on the day of
the event in registration, refreshments, preparing the track etc. The Black water
committee would take this opportunity to thank the team of volunteers who were dedicated
to ensuring everyone had a good time, the kind sponsorship of local businesses, and
everyone who came along to assist in marshalling or supporting in any way, these
people come every year to offer their assistance and make the work of the committee
come to fruition, there are too many to name individually we are very grateful for
your help. We will be posting a list of local sponsors who supplied various items
for refreshments, cones ,barriers ,etc and all of the facilities and equipment necessary
to facilitate this community occasion.First to pass the finish line had been the
boys and girls who entered the 3K Fun Run and as with the more senior athletes on
the 10K they also put in a determined effort before returning through the finish
line. The finishers in these categories were for the boys Ultan O’Rourke, Johnny
McCarron Andrew McKenna. In the Girls we had Amy Hamill, Shauna Hetherington and
Emma Clerkin. Open Runners males Delfim Dimentel and David Sigerdo came through
the line at 34min jointly holding hands to show the true spirit of the race as a
competitive event but still holding that community spirit, Karl Kildea came third
with Donna Evans the top female followed at 39mins .08 secs. Each Juvenile participant
received a t-shirt, medal, refreshment pack and lunch on completion of the course,
while the senior athletes received a commerative mug plus medals etc. A timely family
atmosphere followed with bouncy castles and face painting for all to enjoy.The committee
introduced a corporate team section event at this years race and we were delighted
that a lot of companies had friends and family running in the event, we would like
to thank the Four Seasons, Magills and the Hillgrove Hotel for entering teams of
employees to the event. As stated above the committee of the Black Water 10k were
delighted with this year event but have to report one very disappointing situation
in relation to publishing the times for all athletes with our chip timing provision.
The committee were informed after the event by the company requested to provide this
facility that they had a malfunction of their equipment. They were requested to release
a statement to the organising committee, which is a follows:‘We sincerely apologise
to all participants in the Monaghan Blackwater 10K who did not receive finishing
times’. “Unfortunately, the results did not record correctly onto the timing box
USB Memory system. After discussing the issue with the manufacturers of the equipment
it appears some dirt may gave gotten between the connections on the USB stick preventing
a correct recording at the finish. There was no way to know this at the time, as
the equipment appeared to be operating correctly. Again we apologise to all the runners
for this disappointing outcome.”On a final note, we are looking forward to the 2012
Blackwater 10k event, we hope to increase the number of participants and provide
a great day out for all the family once again. Thank you to the Northern Standard
and Northern Sound for their outstanding publicity for the 10k we look forward to
working with you over the next year. Below is the list of organisations and suppliers
who support annually.The Blackwater 10K committee thank the following organisations
for their sponsorship and support:Glaslough Harriers, Monaghan Phoenix, Monaghan
Sports Partnership, Monaghan Town Council, Blackwater Regional Patnership, Monaghan
United Grounds, Monaghan Shopping Centre, Squealing Pig, Finbar McKenna Sports Rehabilitation,
Donna Toal Sports & Physical Therapy Clinic, Scout Hall, Coillte – Rossmore Forest
Park, Sean McCaffrey, Tables from Emyvale Community Centre.Suppliers: Glendun, CA
Promotions, Co-op, Coolshannagh, FanningsBakery, Bragan Water, Java Republic (Malachy
McMeniman), Gardai, Civil Defense, Desmond Murray, McQuid’s, Century Homes/Kingspan,
Graham Furniture,Terry McElvany, Shabra Plastics, Tumble ‘n’ Fun, SMP Plant Hire,
Armagh Sports & Trophies, O’Donnell’s Fruit, KHG Hire, Leeron & David (DJ), Chemists
for goodies, McElvaney Motors, Master Deerys.